Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Review

I’m honestly of the opinion that high schools should be barred from
tackling serious works and splashy musicals. No matter how talented a group they are, delivering their lines with the utmost enthusiasm, they can never really escape the fact that they’re kids playing roles that were meant for adults (and seasoned ones at that).
After watching B.S. Productions’ take on Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, I feel that this rule should be extended to amateur theatre companies as well.
Based on the 1988 film, Scoundrels is an odd couple con man story about two men competing for the affections of a leggy blonde while swindling her at the same time. Attempting at every turn to breach the walls of good taste, the songs are forgettable, the ensemble is bereft of rhythm, and the actors are mostly children.
The standouts are, thankfully, the leading men who have decent chemistry and a good handle on physical comedy, but it's not enough to save the show from mediocrity.
There was clearly a lot of heart that went into the production, but that's about where it ends.
The verdict: unless your ticket is free, don't be taken in by these Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Reviewed by Buchanan Hunter.

Thank you for your review, Mr. Hunter.
Having worked school drama for years, one quickly tires of weak, shallow and immature scripts. I’ve always been impressed by how far students can stretch when confronted by a challenge. I’m sorry you don’t share that experience or opinion.
A clarification: Most of the “children” are university or college students, or have completed post secondary studies.
Brian Bailey of B. S. Productions

Thanks for the response – I’m glad you wrote. As someone who has run the gauntlet that is high school drama, I share your pain in dealing with lame scripts. What’s more, I completely understand that students aren’t lacking in brilliance, either (to paraphrase, your leading men were good). I’m just offering an unbiased opinion, one which surely won’t be shared by everyone.

Reading this review (from Vue) reminded me why it’s so important for the viewing public to weigh in. So I will. We were absolutely, unequivocally charmed by this production. To be able to accomplish what they did with such a limited set (a necessity for Fringe, but it was a really neat design) was great. Every person on that stage committed HARD to their performance and won the hardened Fringe-ers over. The audience on Saturday afternoon were laughing and bopping along and having a great time. Well done and we’ll keep an eye out for future performances!

Good to hear from you, Liz. Thanks for taking time to post your comments. Glad to know you enjoyed our show: you’re right, we have a committed, hard-working and TALENTED cast, who very much enjoy entertaining our Fringe audiences.
Jamie of B. S. Productions

Absolutely disagree with the Vue reviewer as well.
This is amateur theatre at it’s best and they should be
applauded for bringing such an ambitious production to the
fringe. The musicians were stellar, there were some surprisingly
strong voices, the multitasking ensemble deftly maneuvered
an ingenious set and there was tons of laughter and applause
from an appreciative audience last night. Well done!

What an excellent show! Fun story, great music, and a super talented cast! I smiled, laughed, and occasionally ‘whoa!’ed throughout the performance. It’s unfortunate that this Vue reviewer was so seemingly preoccupied with a desire to see middle-aged actors that he could not enjoy this seriously entertaining show. In fact, the youthful energy that permeates this show is one of its greatest strengths! So don’t be fooled, this raucous musical is well worth the price of admission!

Have you ever been so excited to run to the theatre and watch a 5 star rated movie only to leave disappointed ( ok in my case it’s Netflix with 3 young children but you get the idea) but then you go watch a 2 star movie only to be blown away wondering what the reviewers were thinking. Well my friends this is the show your going to want to see! This cast in this play not only have put their heart and souls into it but have talent as well. I was completely blown away by the performance! It had me laughing and entertained the entire performance. I actually want to go watch it again! The singing talent was beyond my expectations as well as the set chemistry. Do yourself a favor and make your own review. I’m glad I did

Amazing live music, great acting and very impressive vocal performances! I laughed until I cried and was led through the twisting plot at times forgetting that I was watching a theatrical show. We had only a few hours to take in the Fringe this year and this show made it a perfect experience!

I’m sorry but I totally disagree with this reviewer. Kept thinking,”What show is he talking about?? Sure wasn’t the one I went to!”. Saw the August 25th performance and thoroughly enjoyed it! All the characters were skillfully portrayed and the comedy was wonderful! Clever, witty lyrics and dialogue delivered rat-a-tat fast and not enough can be said about the live music throughout. Man, were they good! Loved it!